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Citing
the results of last year’s Owen 20/20 survey, Owen County
Judge-Executive Billy O’Banion said he will present the
Owen County Fiscal Court with an ordinance in the coming months
that will prohibit sexually-oriented businesses from locating
in Owen County.
O’Banion’s announcement was made Thursday during his
annual State of the County address made before the Owen County
Chamber of Commerce.
“Owen County citizens are strong in their faith, heritage
and their opinion in what they want to see for our future,”
O’Banion said during the address, adding that he applauded
the more than 2,000 people who participated in the survey process.
“One of the main themes mentioned in this report is the
protection of our rural atmosphere. It is vital to our future.”
He said in order to protect that atmosphere, he would ask the
fiscal court, as well as the Owenton City Council to consider
an ordinance that “would make it very difficult for someone
to open a sexually-oriented business in our community.”
“Although not an imminent threat, after doing research,
I have found that the counties around us have implemented this
type of regulation and I believe it could serve us very well here.”
O’Banion said he’d work with the Family Foundation
to develop the ordinance before presenting it to the fiscal court.
O’Banion also said he’d like to pursue the construction
of a joint youth recreation center and senior citizens center
for the community.
The completion of the work in the New Liberty area, which utilized
a Community Development Block Grant, allows the county to apply
for additional funding through that program for another project.
Funding applications were originally going to be made through
that program to complete work on the natural gas line, but the
legislature included $5 million for that project in a line item
in the state budget eliminating the necessity of the community
applying for funds from CDBG.
O’Banion said he’d ask the fiscal court for permission
to begin seeking funds for the center.
“I envision a facility with an upstairs and downstairs layout,”
he said. “The upstairs for our youth equipped with game
tables, television and other activities. The downstairs for our
seniors to have a more comfortable place to come and fellowship,
share a meal, participate in activities in a much more spacious
setting.”
O’Banion added that the center would include a certified
kitchen which could be utilized by local residents to produce
“home-cooked and home-baked products for resale.”
It would also be available for family reunions, wedding receptions
and birthday parties.
“I know this goal will be a lofty one and it will take time
to achieve, but I do believe we can make it happen,” he
added.
A complete copy of O’Banion’s State of the County
address can be found on page 5.
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